GIS technologies on the service of geologic maps creation

Geologic maps are the main source of information used to carry out researches, to manage resources usage, to project exploration and prospecting works and in many other spheres of economic activity (ecology, oil-gas field, transport, utilities, etc.). It is geologic maps that make it possible to study the formation of Earth crust and reveal patterns of natural resources dissemination.

Owing to the development of information technologies, a geologic map is not only a generalized unit of obtained geological data, but it presupposes analysis in accordance with any given tasks.

Modern geology uses a variety of empirical data on account of which mining enterprises and geological institutions of various countries of the world recognize the need to use geo information systems (GIS) by means of which it’s possible to store diversified information and to analyze data. Thus, GIS – is a system used for collection, storage, processing and displaying, modeling and dissemination of spatial and digital data in the format of its digital representation (including vector, raster, and other formats). GIS enables to create high-quality maps for various purposes.

GIS technology opens a new era in cartographic development that has no drawbacks proper to traditional maps such as limited size and stagnation. Now it’s possible to visualize the object of interest on a map. In fact, experts try to use interrelated data instead of complex, too detailed maps, thanks to which it’s possible to get highly structural information.

At the initial stage of the development in accordance with the determined goals the model of the map is specified, in agreement with which two basic elements are set. The first is a list of layers, in compliance with which the layers are grouped according to the set-up parameters: e.g. value, purpose, etc. The second – graphic objects that are organized in accordance with the level of significance. Then attribute tables are filled and a map legend is compiled.

GIS significantly facilitates the development of a map. The possibility to transform graphic data when creating new layers is among the most vital advantages of digital maps. The advancement of the GIS technologies enables additional features for the development of new information resources.